Ko wai mātou

Our people

Te Paepae Auaha

Meet the paepae auaha (creative team) behind our work.

Jim Moriarty

Kaitohu - Director

Kaihuawaere - Facilitator

Jim is co-founder and rangatira on the paepae auaha. He has been creating Theatre as a tool for change since 1989.

Helen Pearse-Otene

Kaituhi - Writer
Kaihuawaere - Facilitator

Helen's work as a writer, researcher and facilitator has been at the heart of our creative work since 1999.

Lisa Maule

Kaihautū - Producer

Lisa is an award-winning lighting designer, producer, educator and researcher with a long history in theatre.

Ngā Mana Whakahaere

our mana whakahaere (board members) guide Te Rākau according to shared vision and values.

Chairperson
Kauia Moriarty

Treasurer
Lisa Maule

Board Members

Jeremy Davis, Dylan Fa'atui, Sasha Gibb, Ari Hayvice, Rylee Herewini, Raewyn Klenner, Jim Moriarty, Erena Page, Ihaia Ropata, Kimberley Skipper, Jewel Te Wiki, Brooke Wharehinga

Ngā Kaimahi

Te Rākau works with a wide network of creative artists and professionals to create our work.

kauia moriarty

Kaiwhakahaere Kaupapa - Project Manager

Kauia grew up in a large creative family, working in a variety of operational and leadership roles. In recent years, she has turned her professional and personal focus to mahi toi - in particular painting. Read more

LILY NG

Kaiwhakatairanga -
Marketing

Lily is an experienced public relations professional born in Te Whanganui a Tara. She’s worked with Te Rākau to engage audiences since 2015, when she joined the company as a student intern. Read more

SAUL KOLIO

Kaiwhakaari -
Performer

Saul is a Sāmoan creative, painter-decorator, loving father, trainee therapist and sober man. Since joining Te Rākau in 2019, he has contributed to community projects and digital works such as The Swing and Unreel.

Cara Louise Waretini

Kaihoahoa Kākahu -
Kaihoahoa Kākahu

Known for her awhi and title as 'Aunty', Cara's long-time role on the creative paepae elevates our artistic work. She is an award-winning costume designer, including receiving Te Tohu Iho Pūmanawa in 2021.

ari hayvice

Kaiwhakaari -
Performer

Ari is an aspiring creative based in Te Whanganui a Tara, with interests in musical theatre, film and kaupapa Māori. Ari joined Te Rākau in 2014 when they made their professional theatre debut in The Ragged.

kimberley skipper

Kaitito Nekehanga -
Choreographer

Kimberley (Ngati Porou,Te Atiawa) is a graduate of Whitireia Performing Arts and joined Te Rākau in 2014. The arts facilitator, tutor and choreographer enjoys being immersed in Māori stories, talents and kaupapa.